Comments on: Hacking PDX: Compiling a geek’s guide to Portland International Airport

By: Burgeoning Bac’n business coerces Kveton into consulting » Silicon Florist

Thu, 09 Apr 2009 17:55:43 +0000

[...] OSU Open Source Lab, the former chair of the OpenID Foundation, a Portvangelist, someone who spends more than his fair share of time at PDX, and the guy who helped bring Vidoop to [...]

By: Mark Conway

Mark Conway — Fri, 22 Aug 2008 01:32:00 +0000

Here are a couple of my favorite tips:
When you have to clear security look both North and South from the center of the shopping area. I find that North (concourse D) is usually less crowded and you can clear security faster, head into concourse D and take a left and use the moving walkway on the new interconnecting walkway to go to A,B, or C gates if your flight is leaving from one of those gates.
Here’s one of my closely held secrets – the best place to wait in a car to pick someone up from the terminal isn’t the cell phone lot – it’s a lot closer. There’s a picnic area with just six (count ‘em) parking spaces located just to the East of the parking garage. It’s just off the road that loops back around to the terminal on your way out of the airport. If you park there you can hang out on the grass (with kids if you’ve got ‘em) and relax. As soon as “the call” comes in you can be at the terminal curb in about 30-60 seconds. The picnic area is somewhat hidden but to get there you go through the airport and drive out as if you’re leaving, get in the left lane and take the “return to terminal” lane. At the stop sign turn right and you’re in the parking lot. Here’s a link to Google Maps (make sure to turn on satellite view). http://tinyurl.com/6ms2uu
Now, shhh, no telling anyone else. And I forbid anybody else to use this while I’m waiting (until my reserved parking space there becomes available).

By: Ryan

Ryan — Mon, 14 Jul 2008 02:04:13 +0000

I understand the alure of parking at “X”, but there can be a very distinct downside to it. On many occasions I have seen the shuttle bus be full before getting to the last stop at either the red or blue lots. It’s a real bummer to watch the bus leave you behind.

By: OSCON 2008: Prepping for Portland, Oregon » Silicon Florist

OSCON 2008: Prepping for Portland, Oregon » Silicon Florist — Wed, 09 Jul 2008 20:59:58 +0000

[...] Hacking PDX: A geek’s guide to Portland International Airport “We have a great airport with plenty of features that just about any traveler could need. But, despite all its ease-of-use, there are always a few tips-and-tricks that make the experience that much better.” [...]

By: Rick Turoczy

Rick Turoczy — Wed, 16 Apr 2008 16:34:27 +0000

So, I have a couple more tips from my last trip

First, Cascade Station is perfect for poor packers. As I sprinted out of my house and headed down the road to my flight, it dawned on me that I had left my phone charger at home. Suddenly, my mind raced. Could I conserve enough battery energy for the 24 hour period? Not likely. Could I turn around and still make my flight? Even less likely.

What to do? What to do? Well, here’s what I did: I opted to head to the new Best Buy right out at Cascade Station on Airport Way. No one is there shopping on weekdays, so I walked right in, grabbed the charger, and started to walk out. (And here’s the hint) But I stopped at the greeter desk. Because they have box cutters to open those insanely wrapped electronic packages. ;)

Second, I just noticed an “Experienced traveler” line at Gates D & E security. So, now, if you’re running late and you happen to be a frequent flyer—just not enough of a frequent flyer to use that lane—head to the security gates at D&E and take the new lane.

The silhouettes for the two lines are classic. The “Experienced traveler” line is depicted by a business person carrying one bag. The “Inexperienced traveler” line is a gaggle of family members with all sorts of luggage.

Experience is rewarding. At least at PDX.

By: Alex Williams

Alex Williams — Sun, 06 Apr 2008 01:57:00 +0000

I have used both Jott and Sandy and I would say Sandy is more versatile. I love the tagging and lookup features. and the twitter integration is awesome b/c i love my Twitterberry.

Jott doesn’t work as well as I thought it would for me.

@alexcwilliams

By: Gary Walter

Gary Walter — Tue, 01 Apr 2008 13:53:07 +0000

Yes, actually, I’m much smarter than I look, I got your reference. I do wish that Jott had an IM or Twitter link. When I’m in my truck, using my BT headset, I don’t get much more than a mere recording of a voice memo.

Now that I’ve turned the data plan on for my phone/pda, things may be different.

(PS: I laughed out loud at the thought of Rainier being “some sort of Jott-loving, anti-Sandy faction.”

FYI, I’m the only one with a PC up here! You should see the looks when I ask people if I can send them an e-mail. LOL)

By: Rick Turoczy

Rick Turoczy — Tue, 01 Apr 2008 05:45:14 +0000

Ugh. I just re-read that comment and it didn’t come out right. By “it’s where you live” I meant, “it’s the tools with which you spend the majority of your time” as in “I live in Twitter.” I didn’t mean to sound like I was slamming Rainier, OR, as some sort of Jott-loving, anti-Sandy faction. :)

By: Rick Turoczy

Rick Turoczy — Mon, 31 Mar 2008 15:22:50 +0000

@Gary And I would argue “it’s where you live,” and respectfully yet completely disagree with you. I’m in Twitter and email on my phone far more than I’m talking on my phone. So it’s far easier for me to send Sandy a tweet asking her to remind me of things. I get the same SMS message via tweet, and an email. And I don’t have to leave the interface I’m already using. To each his/her own.

By: Mike Mathews

Mike Mathews — Mon, 31 Mar 2008 15:22:18 +0000

Jott is great except when there is too much noise. I SMS Gcal the location with an appointment 15 minute after my PDX arrival time, but after hearing more about Sandy at Startupalooza, I may have to give Sandy a try.